The Ceramic Filter Project is part of Pitt-NOCMAT, a group of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh who focus on developing locally sourced, non-conventional materials and alternative technologies.  Widely used conventional materials concentrate the means of production and manufacturing in a relatively small number of locations through standardizing highly refined material compositions for mass production and thereby driving down the unit price of goods.  Conversely, locally sourced non-conventional materials improve social sustainability by adapting to low production environments in marginalized communities.  These materials can be manufactured closer to the user with much less capital, organization, specialized education and limited access to global supply chains.